On Being “Too Sensitive”

Throughout our lives, we’re told to “stop being so sensitive.” It comes out of people’s mouths like it’s a bad word. Whenever we visibly feel something, we’re told we’re overreacting. People even blame our hurt feelings on our sensitivity as opposed to their own actions.

So, what’s wrong with being sensitive?

I, for one, think having feelings is a good thing. Maybe I’m biased—I am, after all, someone that feels everything extremely deeply.

But lately, I’ve been thinking that life would be pretty dull if I didn’t.

Yes, I let small comments or actions get me down sometimes. Ok, a lot of the time. But that means I also let the little positive things make my day.

It means I’m extremely passionate.

It means I’m caring and thoughtful.

It means I’m brave.

That’s right—letting feelings in is the opposite of weak. It’s easier to hide your emotions or ignore your problems. And it’s definitely easier to keep things to yourself than to tell people how they’ve hurt you.

Not everyone has the guts to do that.

It takes a strong person to look someone in the eye—particularly someone you love—and tell them that they’ve hurt you. To admit that you’ve been affected so much is brave. To try to get to the bottom of those feelings is even braver.

If someone shows you their sensitivity, it means that they trust you.

These people are genuine. Loving. Willing to give you all of themselves. They’re compassionate, and they’ll be there for you no matter what. They will remind you of all of the good inside you…and they’ll know exactly when you need the reminder.

So next time someone accuses you of being “too sensitive,” take it as a compliment. After all, it just means you’re all heart.

“I understand now that I’m not a mess, but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often. I say, ‘for the same reason I laugh so often—because I’m paying attention.’” – Glennon Doyle Melton